Rail grinding machine and method for grinding rails of a track

ABSTRACT

A rail grinding machine for grinding rails of a track includes a machine frame, a plurality of guiding rollers rotatably mounted on the machine frame, a cross slide, and at least one grinding unit which is interchangeably disposed at the cross slide. A method for grinding rails of a track is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2021 204 878.1, filed May 12, 2021; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a rail grinding machine and a method for grinding rails of a track.

A rail grinding machine is known from Chinese Patent Application CN 106 192 630 A. That rail grinding machine includes a machine frame on which a plurality of guiding rollers are rotatably mounted for manual shifting of the rail grinding machine on the rails. For positioning a grinding unit, the rail grinding machine includes a first cross slide, which is disposed at the machine frame in such a way that it can be displaced transversely with respect to the longitudinal rail direction, and a second cross slide, which is disposed at the first transverse slide in such a way that it can be displaced transversely with respect to the longitudinal rail direction. The grinding unit is disposed at the second cross slide in a height-adjustable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a rail grinding machine and a method for grinding rails of a track, which overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known machines and methods of this general type and which enable simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a rail grinding machine for grinding rails of a track, including a machine frame, a plurality of guiding rollers rotatably mounted on the machine frame for manually shifting the rail grinding machine on rails, a cross slide displaceably mounted on the machine frame in a transverse direction, and at least one grinding unit, the at least one grinding unit being interchangeably disposed at the cross slide. Due to the fact that the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed at the cross slide in an interchangeable manner, a first grinding unit for profiling a rail can be exchanged for a second grinding unit for deburring a rail and vice versa, in a simple manner. The interchangeability means that the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit can be transported separately from the rest of the rail grinding machine to the rail to be ground in a simple manner. Depending on the desired grinding treatment, the rail grinding machine can be operated with the first grinding unit and/or with the second grinding unit. For this purpose, the first grinding unit can be easily exchanged for the second grinding unit and vice versa.

The at least one grinding unit is in particular interchangeably fastened to a guide frame, preferably to a grinding unit carrier which is disposed at the guide frame. In particular, the guide frame is disposed at the cross slide so as to be swiveled.

The machine frame can be shifted manually in a longitudinal direction by using the guiding rollers. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the longitudinal rail direction. The transverse direction runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. For displacement, the cross slide includes in particular a plurality of cross slide guiding rollers. The cross slide guiding rollers are preferably disposed at a distance from one another in a vertical direction. As a result, at least one first cross slide guiding roller rests against an upper side of the machine frame, whereas at least one second cross slide guiding roller rests against a lower side of the machine frame. The machine frame thus runs between the cross slide guiding rollers, as viewed in the vertical direction. The vertical direction runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

The at least one grinding unit includes in particular one respective grinding tool drive for driving one respective grinding tool. The respective grinding tool can be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation by using the grinding tool drive. The grinding tool is, for example, a cup wheel and/or a grinding wheel. The respective grinding tool drive in particular includes a combustion engine and/or an electric motor.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the at least one grinding unit is mounted on two sides ensures a simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. Due to the fact that the at least one grinding unit is interchangeable and disposed at two sides mounted on the cross slide, a first grinding unit for profiling a rail and/or a second grinding unit for deburring a rail can be used in a simple manner. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is mounted on opposite sides of the cross slide, in particular in a longitudinal direction. The respective grinding unit is thus located between the bearing points. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed between two bearing points that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is in particular disposed at a guide frame, which is mounted on the cross slide by using two swivel bearings. The swivel bearings are spaced apart in particular in the longitudinal direction. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is located in the longitudinal direction, in particular between the two swivel bearings. With the respective grinding unit mounted on two sides, the respective grinding unit is stably guided during the respective grinding treatment, so that exact and reliable profiling and deburring is possible. Due to the two-sided mounting, the forces occurring during the grinding treatment are substantially transmitted or distributed evenly to the cross slide and the machine frame, so that heavy strain and corresponding wear of the rail grinding machine are avoided. Forces and vibrations which occur during the grinding treatment and are transmitted to the cross slide and the machine frame are easily and reliably absorbed by the rail grinding machine due to the two-sided mounting of the respective grinding unit, so that the rail grinding machine has a high level of operating comfort.

A rail grinding machine including a quick-change device for interchangeably fastening the at least one grinding unit ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. In particular, the quick-change device enables the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit to be interchangeably fastened in a form-locking and/or friction-locking manner. Preferably, the rail grinding machine includes a grinding unit carrier with at least one carrying element which is interchangeably connected to the at least one grinding unit or to the respective grinding unit via the quick-change device. Preferably, the quick-change device includes first quick-change elements and associated second quick-change elements, which can be reversibly connected to one another in a form-locking and/or friction-locking manner. The quick-change device enables a simple and operator-friendly exchange of the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the quick-change device includes at least one first quick-change element and at least one respectively associated second quick-change element, which are reversibly connectable to one another in a form-locking and/or friction-locking manner ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. The at least one first quick-change element is in particular disposed at one carrying element each of a grinding unit carrier. At least one associated second quick-change element is disposed at each grinding unit. The respective grinding unit is disposed in particular between two second quick-change elements, so that the respective grinding unit is fastened or mounted interchangeably on the grinding unit carrier on two sides. Preferably, the first quick-change elements and the associated second quick-change elements configure a respective linear guide. The respective linear guide runs in particular transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to a plane which is defined by a guide frame. The first quick-change elements, preferably with the associated second quick-change elements, configure a respective linear guide that is dovetail-shaped in cross-section.

Preferably, the quick-change device includes two first quick-change elements and two associated second quick-change elements for each grinding unit. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed between the two second quick-change elements in a longitudinal direction. The respective first quick-change element configures a respective linear guide with the associated second quick-change element. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed at between the two linear guides in the longitudinal direction.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the quick-change device includes at least one actuating element for reversibly clamping a first quick-change element and an associated second quick-change element ensures a simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. Preferably, a first quick-change element and/or a second quick-change element can be displaced by the at least one actuating element. The at least one actuating element is configured as a pivoted lever, for example. By actuating the at least one actuating element, the first quick-change element and the associated second quick-change element are clamped in particular in a form-locking and/or friction-locking manner. Preferably, an actuating element is assigned to each first quick-change element or each associated second quick-change element. The at least one actuating element enables simple and operator-friendly locking or clamping and releasing of the quick-change device for fastening and exchanging the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit. Preferably, a first quick-change element and an associated second quick-change element configure a respective linear guide. Preferably, an actuating element is assigned to each linear guide.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the quick-change device configures at least one linear guide ensures a simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. The at least one linear guide enables, on the one hand, an exact and reliable fastening of the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit and, on the other hand, a simple and operator-friendly exchange of the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit. Preferably, a first quick-change element and an associated second quick-change element of the quick-change device configure the at least one linear guide. The quick-change device includes in particular a plurality of first quick-change elements and associated second quick-change elements, which each configure one linear guide with one another. The at least one linear guide or the respective linear guide runs in particular transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to a plane which is defined by a guide frame. The at least one linear guide is configured in particular by a quick-change element construed as a groove and a quick-change element construed as a projection. The at least one linear guide is configured, for example, with a dovetail cross-section. Preferably, the quick-change device configures two linear guides. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed in a longitudinal direction, in particular between the two linear guides. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is preferably mounted on two sides by using the two linear guides.

A rail grinding machine including a guide frame, which is disposed at the cross slide and, in particular, is swivel-mounted on the cross slide about a swivel axis running parallel to a longitudinal direction ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. The guide frame is disposed in particular at a closed cross slide frame, so that the guide frame additionally stiffens the cross slide frame. The guide frame enables the at least one grinding unit to be disposed in such a way that the at least one grinding unit can be swiveled about a swivel axis and/or can be linearly adjusted in a vertical direction. Preferably, the guide frame is swivel-mounted on the cross slide frame. The swivel axis runs in particular parallel to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the guide frame can be swiveled by at least 60°, in particular by at least 90°, and in particular by at least 120° about the swivel axis. Preferably, the guide frame is mounted by using two swivel bearings on the cross slide, in particular at the closed cross slide frame. In particular, the guide frame includes two guide elements which are swivel-mounted at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction at the cross slide, in particular at the closed cross slide frame. The guide elements are connected to one another in particular by using a linking element. The guide frame preferably has a U-shape. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed in particular on two sides of the guide frame. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is preferably mounted on legs of the U-shaped guide frame. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed in particular in an inner space which is bounded by the U-shaped guide frame.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the at least one linear guide runs transversely to a plane defined by a guide frame ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. The guide frame defines a plane. The plane is spanned in particular by the U-shape of the guide frame. The guide frame and the plane defined by the guide frame can be swiveled in particular about a swivel axis. The at least one linear guide, preferably the respective linear guide, runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the plane. Preferably, the quick-change device includes two linear guides which are disposed at legs of the U-shaped guide frame. This allows the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit to be easily removed from the guide frame and exchanged.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the cross slide includes a closed cross slide frame ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. Due to the fact that the cross slide includes a closed cross slide frame, the cross slide is extremely stable so that the grinding unit disposed thereon can be positioned easily, reliably and precisely. In particular, the cross slide frame configures a closed annular body. The cross slide frame includes in particular transverse members extending in the transverse direction, which transverse members are connected with longitudinal members extending in the longitudinal direction. The cross slide bounds an inner space. The at least one grinding unit—viewed in a projection in a vertical direction—is disposed in particular at least partially within the inner space. Preferably, the cross slide frame has a rectangular shape.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the closed cross slide frame bounds an inner space in which the at least one grinding unit is at least partially disposed ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. When viewed in a projection in a vertical direction, the at least one grinding unit is disposed at least partially within the inner space. As a result, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is mounted stably on the closed cross slide frame. Preferably, the at least one grinding unit is mounted on the closed cross slide frame via a guide frame. Due to the arrangement in the inner space, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is mounted on the cross slide in a balanced manner.

A rail grinding machine including a grinding unit carrier for interchangeably arranging the at least one grinding unit, which grinding unit carrier is mounted on a guide frame ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. In particular, the grinding unit carrier is mounted on two sides on the guide frame. Preferably, the grinding unit carrier has two carrying elements which are mounted and guided on two sides on the guide frame, in particular on guide elements. In particular, the grinding unit carrier includes a linking element that connects the carrying elements to one another. The grinding unit carrier is in particular configured in a U-shape. Preferably, the carrying elements and the linking element are disposed in a U-shape relative to one another. In particular, the linking element faces a linking element of the guide frame. In particular, a vertical positioning device for positioning the grinding unit carrier or a grinding unit disposed thereon in a vertical direction is disposed at the linking elements. The vertical positioning device in particular includes a spindle unit with a threaded spindle and a spindle nut. The threaded spindle is rotatably mounted, for example, at the linking element of the guide frame, whereas the spindle nut is fastened to the linking element of the grinding unit carrier. By actuating or rotating the threaded spindle, the grinding unit carrier or the grinding unit disposed thereon is displaced and positioned in the vertical direction In particular, the grinding unit carrier is mounted on the guide frame so that it can be displaced in a vertical direction.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the guide frame includes two guide elements on which two carrying elements for arranging the at least one grinding unit are mounted ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. The carrying elements are in particular part of the grinding unit carrier. In particular, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed at the carrying elements. Preferably, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is fastened to the two carrying elements in an interchangeable manner. Preferably, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is fastened to the grinding unit carrier or the carrying elements on two sides. The at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is preferably disposed between the two carrying elements. First quick-change elements of a quick-change device are fastened in particular to the carrying elements, whereas second quick-change elements are fastened to the respective grinding unit. Preferably, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed in a longitudinal direction between the two carrying elements and/or between the two guide elements.

A rail grinding machine including a first grinding unit for profiling a rail and a second grinding unit for deburring a rail ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. The first grinding unit serves for profiling a rail and includes a grinding tool drive which drives a grinding tool, construed as a cup wheel, in rotation about a first axis of rotation. In contrast, the second grinding unit for deburring a rail includes a grinding tool drive which drives a grinding tool, construed as a grinding wheel, in rotation about a second axis of rotation. The axes of rotation are disposed transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to one another when the grinding units are otherwise in identical positions. In particular, the first axis of rotation runs substantially in a vertical direction or parallel to a plane spanned by a guide frame, whereas the second axis of rotation runs substantially in the transverse direction or transversely to a plane spanned by the guide frame. The first grinding unit and the second grinding unit are interchangeable. Preferably, the first grinding unit and the second grinding unit are interchangeably fastened to a grinding unit carrier. For this purpose, the rail grinding machine includes, in particular, a quick-change device. The respective grinding tool drive includes in particular a combustion engine and/or an electric motor.

A rail grinding machine including a coarse positioning device for coarse positioning and a fine positioning device for fine positioning of the cross slide in the transverse direction ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. Due to the fact that both the coarse positioning device and the fine positioning device interact with the cross slide, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit can be positioned easily, accurately and reliably in the transverse direction relative to the machine frame and thus relative to a rail. The coarse positioning device and the fine positioning device thus interact with one single cross slide. Due to the fact that the at least one grinding unit is disposed at the cross slide, the at least one grinding unit is also positioned in the transverse direction as a result of a positioning of the cross slide.

The coarse positioning device and the fine positioning device can be actuated independently of one another for positioning the cross slide. For this purpose, the coarse positioning device includes a first actuating element and the fine positioning device includes a second actuating element. The first actuating element is used for positioning the cross slide coarsely, whereas the second actuating element is used for positioning the cross slide finely. The fine positioning is performed in particular in a set and locked coarse position of the cross slide. The fine positioning device enables more precise positioning of the cross slide in the transverse direction than the coarse positioning device.

The coarse positioning device includes in particular an actuating mechanism which is connected with the fine positioning device. The fine positioning device includes in particular a first component and a second component which can be displaced relative to one another in the transverse direction for fine positioning. For coarse positioning, the actuating mechanism is manually actuated and the position of the cross slide is coarsely set via the non-actuated fine positioning device or via the first component and the second component of the fine positioning device. For fine positioning, the coarse positioning device is locked so that the second component of the fine positioning device is fixed in the transverse direction. By actuating the first component, fine positioning is performed in the set and locked coarse position. The coarse positioning device thus acts upon the fine positioning device.

The actuating mechanism includes in particular an actuating element that can be displaced relative to the machine frame. The actuating element is configured as a lever, for example. In a first exemplary embodiment, the actuating element is disposed at the machine frame so as to be swiveled about a swivel axis. The swivel axis runs parallel to a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction corresponds to a longitudinal rail direction. The actuating element is connected to the fine positioning device by using a linking element. The linking element is in particular part of the actuating mechanism. The linking element can be loaded in tension and compression. The linking element is, for example, a connection rod. The linking element is connected at a first end to the actuating element and at a second end to the fine positioning device, in particular to the second component. The linking element is connected with the actuating element at a distance from the swivel axis, so that swiveling the actuating element causes the linking element to be loaded in compression or tension depending on the swiveling direction. Swiveling the actuating element in particular changes the angle between the actuating element and the linking element. Preferably, the linking element is swivel-connected to the actuating element and swivel-connected to the fine positioning device or the second component of the fine positioning device.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the actuating element is linearly displaceable relative to the machine frame. Preferably, the coarse positioning device includes a linear guide for the actuating element. In particular, the linear guide is part of the actuating mechanism. Preferably, the linear guide is disposed at the machine frame. The actuating element is connected in particular with the fine positioning device or the second component of the fine positioning device.

The coarse positioning device includes in particular a locking unit for locking and releasing a coarse position. The locking unit locks the coarse positioning device or a set coarse position of the cross slide. In the locked coarse position, the cross slide can be positioned exactly or finely by using the fine positioning device. The locking unit is used in particular for form-locking and/or frictional locking. The locking of a coarse position takes place relative to the machine frame. Preferably, the locking unit is used for form-locking and/or frictional locking of an actuating mechanism of the coarse positioning device. In particular, the locking unit is at least partially integrated into an actuating element of the coarse positioning device. The locking unit includes in particular a locking element and an associated counter-locking element. The counter-locking element is fastened to the machine frame, for example. The locking element is mounted on the actuating element of the coarse positioning device, in particular integrated in the actuating element. The locking element is actuated in particular by using a locking actuating element. Preferably, the locking actuating element is connected with the locking element via a locking actuating mechanism. The locking actuating mechanism is configured in particular in such a way that in an unactuated state of the locking actuating element, the locking element interacts with the counter-locking element to lock a coarse position, and in an actuated state of the locking actuating element, the locking element does not interact with the counter-locking element and releases the locking. The locking unit is configured in particular as a dead-man locking unit.

Preferably, the fine positioning device includes a spindle unit with a threaded spindle and a spindle nut. The spindle unit serves to convert a rotary motion into a linear motion. The threaded spindle configures a first component of the fine positioning device. The threaded spindle is rotatably mounted on the cross slide. The threaded spindle is not displaceable relative to the cross slide in the transverse direction. The threaded spindle is connected with the cross slide in a stationary manner in the transverse direction. The threaded spindle can be actuated, in particular rotated about a spindle axis, by using an actuating element of the fine positioning device. For this purpose, the actuating element is connected with the threaded spindle in a torque-transmitting manner. The spindle nut configures a second component of the fine positioning device. The spindle nut is mounted on the threaded spindle so that it can rotate relative to the threaded spindle, so that a rotary motion of the threaded spindle and the spindle nut relative to one another results in a linear motion of the threaded spindle and the spindle nut relative to one another along the spindle axis or in the transverse direction. The adjustment accuracy of the fine positioning device can be specified or set via a thread pitch of the spindle unit.

The spindle nut is connected in particular with an actuating mechanism of the coarse positioning device. The connection of the spindle nut to the actuating mechanism on the one hand enables simple, reliable and flexible coarse positioning. For this purpose, the actuating mechanism which acts on the spindle nut and displaces the spindle nut in the transverse direction in the desired manner is actuated. When the fine positioning device is not actuated, the spindle nut is disposed in a stationary manner relative to the cross slide in the transverse direction so that the cross slide is coarsely positioned in the desired manner in the transverse direction. For this purpose, the spindle unit is in particular configured to be self-locking. On the other hand, the connection of the spindle nut to the actuating mechanism enables simple, reliable and exact fine positioning. For this purpose, the coarse positioning device, in particular the actuating mechanism, is preferably locked in a coarse position by using a locking unit. When the threaded spindle is actuated or rotated, the actuating mechanism prevents the spindle nut from rotating so that the threaded spindle is linearly displaced relative to the spindle nut as a result of the rotation. Since the threaded spindle is connected with the cross slide in a stationary manner in the transverse direction, the cross slide and thus the at least one grinding unit disposed thereon are positioned exactly or finely. The threaded spindle is in particular manually adjustable, preferably by using an actuating element. The actuating element is configured as a handwheel, for example.

Preferably, the threaded spindle is rotatably mounted on the cross slide by bearings. The fine positioning device includes bearings which serve to rotatably mount the threaded spindle on the cross slide. The bearings are connected with the cross slide at a distance in the transverse direction. The threaded spindle is rotatably mounted at its end in the bearings. The mounting means that the threaded spindle can be rotated relative to the cross slide on the one hand and is stationary relative to the cross slide in the transverse direction on the other hand. A linear displacement of the threaded spindle relative to the cross slide in the transverse direction is therefore not possible, in particular also when the threaded spindle is rotated. The rotatable mounting enables the fine positioning device to be actuated. When the fine positioning device is actuated, the threaded spindle and the spindle nut are displaced linearly relative to one another in the transverse direction.

The fine positioning device includes in particular an actuating element. The actuating element serves in particular for manually actuating a spindle unit, preferably for manually rotating a threaded spindle. The actuating element is configured as a handwheel, for example. An axis of rotation of the actuating element, in particular of the handwheel, and a spindle axis of the threaded spindle are preferably disposed at a distance from one another. For this purpose, the fine positioning device has, in particular, a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism serves to transmit a rotary motion of the actuating element to the threaded spindle. The transmission mechanism includes, for example, a transmission belt or a transmission chain. The arrangement of the axis of rotation at a distance from the spindle axis increases the operating comfort in particular, since the actuating element can be disposed at a comfortable operating height at a distance from the threaded spindle.

A rail grinding machine configured in such a way that the at least one grinding unit includes a grinding tool drive having a combustion engine ensures simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track. A combustion engine enables simple and self-sufficient operation of the rail grinding machine. Preferably, the at least one grinding unit or the respective grinding unit is disposed at a cross slide with a closed cross slide frame and/or is mounted on two sides so that vibrations and forces are transmitted evenly to the cross slide and the machine frame during the grinding treatment. This ensures exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for grinding rails of a track which enables simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly profiling and deburring of a rail of a track.

With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a method for grinding rails of a track having the steps of providing a rail grinding machine according to the invention, having a first grinding unit, grinding, in particular profiling, a rail of a track by using the first grinding unit, exchanging the first grinding unit for a second grinding unit, and grinding, in particular deburring, a rail by using the second grinding unit. The advantages of the method according to the invention correspond to the advantages of the rail grinding machine according to the invention already described. The method according to the invention can in particular be further developed with a feature described in connection with the rail grinding machine according to the invention. Through the use of the rail grinding machine according to the invention, a rail, in particular a rail in the region of a switch, can be profiled and/or deburred. For profiling a rail, the rail grinding machine has in particular a first grinding unit with a grinding tool drive and a grinding tool construed as a cup wheel. The first grinding unit or the cup wheel disposed at the cross slide is exactly positioned in the transverse direction, in particular by using the coarse positioning device and the fine positioning device, so that exact profiling of the rail is possible. For this purpose, the first grinding unit is first coarsely positioned by using the coarse positioning device and preferably locked in the set coarse position. The first grinding unit is then positioned exactly relative to the rail to be profiled by using the fine positioning device.

For deburring a rail, the rail grinding machine includes a second grinding unit with a grinding tool drive and a grinding tool construed as a grinding wheel. For deburring, the second grinding unit is positioned in particular only with the coarse positioning device relative to the rail to be deburred. The fine positioning device is locked in the set fine position by self-locking. In particular, branching rails in the region of a switch can be deburred simply, reliably and flexibly by using the coarse positioning device.

Due to the fact that the respective grinding unit is interchangeable, the respective grinding unit can be transported to the rail to be ground separately from the rest of the rail grinding machine in a simple manner. Depending on the desired grinding treatment, the rail grinding machine can be operated with the first grinding unit and/or with the second grinding unit. For this purpose, the first grinding unit can be easily exchanged for the second grinding unit and vice versa. Due to the fact that the respective grinding unit is mounted on the cross slide on two sides, the profiling and/or deburring of a rail is possible in a simple, exact, reliable and operator-friendly manner.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a rail grinding machine and a method for grinding rails of a track, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, first side-elevational view of a rail grinding machine according to a first exemplary embodiment having a coarse positioning device and a fine positioning device for positioning an interchangeable first grinding unit;

FIG. 2 is a top-plan view of the rail grinding machine in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional and partial cutaway view of the coarse positioning device to illustrate a locking unit;

FIG. 4 is a second side-elevational view of the rail grinding machine in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a detail V in FIG. 4, showing a quick-change device for interchangeably fastening the first grinding unit;

FIG. 6 is a side-elevational view of the rail grinding machine with an interchangeable second grinding unit in place of the first grinding unit; and

FIG. 7 is a partial side-elevational view of a rail grinding machine according to a second exemplary embodiment for illustrating the coarse positioning device and the fine positioning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIGS. 1-6 thereof, there is seen a first exemplary embodiment of the invention which is described below. A rail grinding machine 1 serves to grind rails 2 of a track. The rail grinding machine 1 includes a machine frame 3, which is guided on the rails 2 by guiding rollers 4. The machine frame 3 includes two frame components 5, 6, which are connected to one another in a telescopic manner. By shifting the frame components 5, 6 relative to one another, the guiding rollers 4 can be adapted to a distance between the rails 2.

The machine frame 3 includes longitudinal members 7, 8, 9 and transverse members 10, 11. The longitudinal members 7, 8, 9 extend in an x-direction and are spaced apart from one another in a y-direction running perpendicular to the x-direction. The x-direction is hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction, whereas the y-direction is hereinafter also referred to as the transverse direction. The longitudinal direction corresponds to a longitudinal rail direction. The transverse members 10, 11 run in the y-direction and are spaced apart in the x-direction. The transverse members 10, 11 are fastened at the ends to the longitudinal members 7, 8 so that the machine frame 3 has a rectangular shape. The transverse members 10, 11 can be telescoped to adapt to a distance between the rails 2. The longitudinal member 9 is connected with the transverse members 10, 11 for stiffening the machine frame 3 in such a way that the frame component 5 substantially has a rectangular shape. Through the use of the telescopic transverse beams 10, 11, the guiding rollers 4 disposed at the frame component 5 and the guiding rollers 4 disposed at the frame component 6 are variably spaced apart from one another in the y-direction.

The rail grinding machine 1 can be shifted manually on the rails 2. The guiding rollers 4 define a shifting direction of the rail grinding machine 1 which corresponds to the longitudinal direction. Handles 12 are fastened to the machine frame 3 for manually lifting and/or carrying the rail grinding machine 1. The guiding rollers 4 are mounted on the machine frame 3 so that they can rotate about axes of rotation. The axes of rotation run parallel to the y-direction.

A cross slide 13 is mounted on the machine frame 3. The cross slide 13 has a closed cross slide frame 14, which is formed by cross slide longitudinal members 15, 16 and by cross slide transverse members 17, 18. The cross slide longitudinal members 15, 16 extend in the x-direction and are spaced apart from one another in the y-direction. The cross slide longitudinal members 15, 16 are connected with each other at the ends by the cross slide transverse members 17, 18 so that the cross slide frame 14 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The cross slide transverse members 17, 18 extend in the y-direction and are spaced apart from one another in the x-direction. The cross slide frame 14 bounds an inner space 19 when viewed from above.

The cross slide 13 includes cross slide guiding rollers 20, 21 which are rotatably mounted on the cross slide transverse members 17, 18. The cross slide guiding rollers 20 are mounted at a distance from the cross slide guiding rollers 21 in a vertical z-direction, so that the cross slide guiding rollers 20 rest against an upper side of the machine frame 3, whereas the cross slide guiding rollers 21 rest against a lower side of the machine frame 3. The cross slide guiding rollers 20, 21 serve to displace the cross slide 13 in the y-direction or the transverse direction. For this purpose, the cross slide guiding rollers 20, 21 are mounted on the cross slide frame 14 so as to be rotatable about axes of rotation. The axes of rotation run parallel to the x-direction. The z-direction is also referred to below as the vertical direction. The x-, y- and z-directions run as perpendicular pairs to one another and thus form a Cartesian coordinate system.

For positioning the cross slide 13, the rail grinding machine 1 includes a coarse positioning device 22 and a fine positioning device 23. The coarse positioning device 22 serves for coarse positioning of the cross slide 13 in the y-direction or the transverse direction, whereas the fine positioning device 23 serves for fine positioning of the cross slide 13 in the transverse direction. Fine positioning enables more precise positioning than coarse positioning.

The coarse positioning device 22 includes an actuating mechanism 24. The actuating mechanism 24 has an actuating element 25 and a linking element 26. The actuating element 25 is configured as an actuation lever. The actuating element 25 is fastened to the machine frame 3 and can be swiveled relative to the machine frame 3 about a swivel axis 27. The swivel axis 27 runs parallel to the x-direction. The linking element 26 is configured as a connection rod. The linking element 26 is fastened to the actuating element 25 so as to be swivelable about a swivel axis 28. The swivel axis 28 runs parallel to the x-direction and is spaced apart from the swivel axis 27. By swiveling the actuating element 25 about the swivel axis 27, an angle α between the actuating element 25 and the linking element 26 can be varied. The actuating mechanism 24 or the linking element 26 is connected with the fine positioning device 23 in a manner described in more detail below.

The coarse positioning device 22 further includes a locking unit 29. The locking unit 29 serves to lock and release or reversibly lock a coarse position. The locking unit 29 includes a locking element 30 and a counter-locking element 31. The counter-locking element 31 is configured as a curved toothed strip or a toothed arch. The counter-locking element 31 is fastened to the machine frame 3. The counter-locking element 31 includes a plurality of teeth 32 which are disposed along a partial circular arc around the swivel axis 27. The locking element 30 interacts with the counter-locking element 31 in a form-locking and friction-locking manner. For this purpose, the locking element 30 is configured in the form of a pin. The locking element 30 is configured with a tooth-shaped tip which can be positioned between two teeth 32 of the counter-locking element 31. The locking element 30 is integrated in the actuating element 25. The actuating element 25 is configured to be tubular and the locking element 30 is disposed in an inner space of the actuating element 25.

The locking unit 29 is configured as a dead-man locking unit. In an unactuated state, the locking unit 29 is locked, whereas in an actuated state, the locking unit 29 is released. The locking unit 29 has a locking actuating element 33 for actuating the locking element 30. The locking actuating element 33 is configured as a pivoted lever. The locking actuating element 33 is connected with the locking element 30 via a locking actuating mechanism. The locking actuating mechanism includes a tensile element 34, stops 35, 36, and a spring element 37. A first stop 35 is connected with the actuating element 25. The first stop 35 is disposed between the locking element 30 and the locking actuating element 33 and has a passage opening through which the tensile element 34 is routed. The locking element 30 configures a second stop 36 on a side facing away from the counter-locking element 31. A spring element 37 is disposed between the first stop 35 and the second stop 36 to configure the dead man function.

The fine positioning device 23 includes a spindle unit 38 with a threaded spindle 39 and a spindle nut 40. The threaded spindle 39 configures a first component and the spindle nut 40 a second component, which components can be linearly displaced relative to one another in the direction of a spindle axis 41 by a relative rotation. The threaded spindle 39 is fastened to the cross slide frame 14 by bearings 42, 43. The spindle axis 41 runs parallel to the y-direction. The threaded spindle 39 can thus be rotated about the spindle axis 41 relative to the cross slide 13, but is stationary in the direction of the spindle axis 41 relative to the cross slide 13. The spindle nut 40 is disposed between the bearings 42, 43 on the threaded spindle 39. The spindle nut 40 is connected with the linking element 26 of the actuating mechanism 24. An end of the linking element 26 facing away from the actuating element 25 is connected with the spindle nut 40 so as to be swivelable about a swivel axis 44. The swivel axis 44 runs parallel to the x-direction and compensates for variations in the angle α.

The fine positioning device 23 includes an actuating element 45 and a transmission mechanism 46. The actuating element 45 is configured as a handwheel. The actuating element 45 is disposed at a handle 48 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 47. The handle 48 is configured in a U-shape and fastened to the transverse members 10, 11. The axis of rotation 47 runs parallel to the y-direction. The transmission mechanism 46 transmits a rotary motion of the actuating element 45 about the axis of rotation 47 to the threaded spindle 39, so that the threaded spindle 39 is rotated about the spindle axis 41. The transmission mechanism 46 includes transmission wheels 49, 50 and a transmission belt 51. The transmission wheel 49 is connected with the actuating element 45 in a torque-transmitting manner, whereas the transmission wheel 50 is connected with the threaded spindle 39 in a torque-transmitting manner. The transmission belt 51 transmits a rotary motion of the transmission wheel 49 to the transmission wheel 50.

In order to protect the threaded spindle 39, the fine positioning device 23 includes bellows 52, 53 disposed between the bearing 42 and the spindle nut 40 as well as between the bearing 43 and the spindle nut 40 above the threaded spindle 39.

The rail grinding machine 1 further includes a guide frame 54, which is fastened to the cross slide frame 14 so as to be swivelable about a swivel axis 55. The swivel axis 55 runs parallel to the x-direction. The guide frame 54 is configured in a U-shape. The guide frame 54 includes guide elements 56, which are fastened at a respective first end by swivel bearings 57 to a respective associated cross slide transverse member 17, 18. The guide elements 56 are connected to one another at a respective second end by a linking element 58. Viewed from above, the guide frame 54 is disposed in the inner space 19 of the cross slide 13.

The rail grinding machine 1 includes a swiveling device 59 for swiveling the guide frame 54. The swiveling device 59 is fastened to the cross slide 13 and the guide frame 54. Through the use of the swiveling device 59, the guide frame 54 can be swiveled relative to the cross slide 13 about the swivel axis 55. The swiveling device 59 includes an actuating element 60. The actuating element 60 is configured as a handwheel. For swiveling, the swiveling device 59 includes a toothed wheel, which is not shown in greater detail, and an associated toothed rack. The toothed wheel is rotatably mounted on the cross slide 13 and connected with the actuating element 60. The toothed rack is mounted on the guide frame 54 and interacts with the toothed wheel for swiveling.

The rail grinding machine 1 includes a grinding unit carrier 63 for the interchangeable arrangement of a first grinding unit 61 or a second grinding unit 62. The grinding unit carrier 63 is mounted on the guide frame 54. The grinding unit carrier 63 includes tubular carrying elements 64, which are linearly guided on the guide elements 56. The carrying elements 64 are connected to one another at an end facing away from the machine frame 3 by a linking element 65, so that the grinding unit carrier 63 is configured in a U-shape.

The grinding unit carrier 63 is linearly displaceable on the guide frame 54 by using a vertical positioning device 66. The vertical positioning device 66 includes a threaded spindle 67, which is rotatably mounted on the linking element 58 of the guide frame 54. The threaded spindle 67 is connected with an actuating element 68. The actuating element 68 is configured as a handwheel. The vertical positioning device 66 further includes a spindle nut 69 which is firmly connected with the linking element 65 of the grinding unit carrier 63. By rotating the actuating element 68, the grinding unit carrier 63 can be linearly displaced upwards or downwards, i.e. in the z-direction, depending on the direction of rotation.

The rail grinding machine 1 has a quick-change device 70 for interchangeably fastening the first grinding unit 61 or the second grinding unit 62. Through the use of the quick-change device 70—as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5—the first grinding unit 61 is fastened to the grinding unit carrier 63 and thus to the cross slide 13. The first grinding unit 61 is fastened to the carrying elements 64 by using the quick-change device 70. The first grinding unit 61 can thus be displaced in the x-direction by using the guiding rollers 4, displaced in the y-direction by using the cross slide 13, swiveled about the swivel axis 55 by using the guide frame 54 and/or displaced in the z-direction by using the grinding unit carrier 63.

The first grinding unit 61 serves to profile a rail 2. The first grinding unit 61 includes a grinding tool drive 71 which drives a first grinding tool 72 in rotation about a first axis of rotation 73. The grinding tool 72 is configured as a cup wheel. The axis of rotation 73 runs parallel to a plane E spanned by the guide frame 54. The axis of rotation 73 runs obliquely to the z-direction. This configures a grinding clearance angle.

In contrast, the second grinding unit 62 serves to deburr a rail 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the second grinding unit 62 is fastened to the grinding unit carrier 63 and thus to the cross slide 13. The second grinding unit 62 includes a grinding tool drive 74 which drives a second grinding tool 75 in rotation about a second axis of rotation 76. The second grinding tool 75 is configured as a grinding wheel. The axis of rotation 76 runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a plane E spanned by the guide frame 54.

The respective grinding tool drive 71, 74 includes a combustion engine. The respective grinding unit 61, 62 is mounted on the grinding unit carrier 63 on two sides. This ensures that the respective grinding unit 61, 62 is fastened exactly and reliably. The U-shaped grinding unit carrier 63 is stiffened by the two-sided mounting of the respective grinding unit 61, 62.

The quick-change device 70 includes first quick-change elements 77 and associated second quick-change elements 78. The first quick-change elements 77 are fastened to facing sides of the carrying elements 64. Associated second quick-change elements 78 are fastened to respective grinding units 61, 62. The distance and position of the first quick-change elements 77 correspond to the distance and position of the second quick-change elements 78. A respective first quick-change element 77 configures a linear guide L with the associated second quick-change element 78. For this purpose, the respective first quick-change element 77 includes a groove, for example, whereas the associated second quick-change element 78 includes a corresponding projection. The respective linear guide L is configured to be dovetail-shaped in cross-section, for example. The linear guides L configured by the quick-change elements 77, 78 run transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a plane E spanned by the guide frame 54. The second quick-change elements 78 can be displaced by using associated actuating elements 79. The actuating elements 79 are configured, for example, as pivoted levers. By actuating the actuating elements 79, the first quick-change elements 77 are clamped against the associated second quick-change elements 78. The respective grinding unit 61, 62 is thus fastened to the grinding unit carrier 63 by using the quick-change device 70 in a form-locking and friction-locking manner.

The mode of operation of the rail grinding machine 1 is described below:

The rail grinding machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 serves, for example, to profile a rail 2. The first grinding unit 61 is coarsely positioned in the transverse direction or in the y-direction by using the coarse positioning device 22 and finely positioned in the transverse direction or y-direction by using the fine positioning device 23. For coarse positioning, an operator releases the locking unit 29 by using the locking actuating element 33 and swivels the actuating element 25 in a desired swiveling direction about the swivel axis 27. By swiveling, the angle α is varied and the linking element 26 is swiveled about the swivel axis 28. Due to the fact that the linking element 26 is connected with the spindle nut 40 of the fine positioning device 23, the cross slide 13 is moved linearly in the y-direction or parallel to the y-direction on the machine frame 3. The spindle unit 38 is configured to be self-locking, so that the motion of the spindle nut 40 caused by the linking element 26 does not result in a rotary motion of the threaded spindle 39, but in a linear motion of the cross slide 13.

For fine positioning of the cross slide 13, the coarse positioning device 22 is first locked in a desired coarse position. For this purpose, the operator does not actuate the locking actuating element 33 any further. The locking element 30 is displaced towards the counter-locking element 31 due to the pretensioning force of the spring element 37, so that the locking element 30 engages between two teeth 32 of the counter-locking element 31 and locks the coarse positioning device 22.

In the set coarse position, the cross slide 13 is exactly positioned by using the fine positioning device 23. For this purpose, the operator rotates the actuating element 45 in a desired direction of rotation about the axis of rotation 47. The rotary motion is transmitted via the transmission mechanism 46 to the threaded spindle 39, which rotates about the spindle axis 41. Due to the fact that the spindle nut 40 is stationary in the transverse direction or y-direction because of the locked coarse positioning device 22, the cross slide 13 is linearly displaced and exactly positioned in the transverse direction or y-direction by a linear relative movement of the threaded spindle 39 to the spindle nut 40. The coarse positioning device 22 and the fine positioning device 23 thus act upon one and the same cross slide 13 via the spindle unit 38.

For further positioning of the first grinding unit 61, the guide frame 54 can be swiveled about the swivel axis 55 by using the swiveling device 59. The first grinding unit 61 can be linearly displaced in the z-direction by using the vertical positioning device 66 and thus fed to the rail 2 or adjusted in height. Furthermore, the rail grinding machine 1 can be manually displaced in the x-direction by using the guiding rollers 4. The profiling of the rail 2 by using the first grinding tool 72 is performed in the usual manner.

In order to exchange the first grinding unit 61, the cross slide 13 is displaced between the rails 2 by using the coarse positioning device 22. The actuating elements 79 of the quick-change device 70 are then released so that the clamping of the first grinding unit 61 to the grinding unit carrier 63 is released. The first grinding unit 61 can now be removed manually from the grinding unit carrier 63. For this purpose, the first grinding unit 61 is displaced linearly transversely to the plane E spanned by the guide frame 54, so that the second quick-change elements 78 are removed from the associated first quick-change elements 77.

In order to fasten the second grinding unit 62 to the grinding unit carrier 63, the second grinding unit 62 is inserted with the second quick-change elements 78 into the first quick-change elements 77. The actuating elements 79 are then actuated so that the second grinding unit 62 is clamped in the grinding unit carrier 63. The second grinding unit 62 is now connected with the grinding unit carrier 63 by using the quick-change device 70 in a form-locking and friction-locking manner. The rail grinding machine 1 with the second grinding unit 62 is illustrated in FIG. 6.

By using the second grinding tool 75, which is configured as a grinding wheel, a rail 2 can be deburred, for example. Deburring is necessary, for example, for branching rails 2 of a switch. The second grinding unit 62 can be positioned in the transverse direction or y-direction for deburring a branching rail 2 in a simple manner by using the coarse positioning device 22. For this purpose, the rail grinding machine 1 is located on the straight running rails 2. The locking unit 29 is released by using the locking actuating element 33. The locking actuating element 33 actuates the tensile element 34 which displaces the locking element 30 from the counter-locking element 31 against the force of the spring element 37. The cross slide 13 and thus the second grinding unit 62 can be positioned easily and quickly in the transverse direction or y-direction by swiveling the actuating element 25 about the swivel axis 27. Further positioning of the second grinding unit 62 is performed in the manner already described. The second grinding unit 62 is exchanged and the first grinding unit 61 is fastened as already described above.

A second exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to FIG. 7. For better illustration of the coarse positioning device 22 and the fine positioning device 23, the guide frame 54, the swiveling device 59, the first grinding unit 61 or the second grinding unit 62, the grinding unit carrier 63 and the vertical positioning device 66 are not shown in FIG. 7. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 25 of the coarse positioning device 22 is linearly displaceable relative to the machine frame 3 in the transverse direction or y-direction by using a linear guide 80. The actuating element 25 is connected with the spindle nut 40. Thus, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, the actuating mechanism 24 does not include a linking element. In comparison, the actuating mechanism 24 includes the actuating element 25 and the linear guide 80. The locking element 30 of the locking unit 29 interacts directly with the machine frame 3. The locking element 30 is configured as a brake block, for example. The locking element 30 locks the coarse positioning device 22 frictionally relative to the machine frame 3. The actuating element 25 of the fine positioning device 23 is fastened directly to the threaded spindle 39. With regard to the further structure and the further mode of operation, reference is made to the description of the preceding exemplary embodiment.

The features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined in any desired manner. 

1. A rail grinding machine for grinding rails of a track, the rail grinding machine comprising: a machine frame; a plurality of guiding rollers rotatably mounted on said machine frame for manually shifting the rail grinding machine on rails; a cross slide displaceably mounted on said machine frame in a transverse direction; and at least one grinding unit interchangeably disposed at said cross slide.
 2. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein said at least one grinding unit is mounted on two sides.
 3. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, which further comprises a quick-change device for interchangeably fastening said at least one grinding unit.
 4. The rail grinding machine according to claim 3, wherein said quick-change device includes at least one first quick-change element and at least one respectively associated second quick-change element, said first and second quick-change elements being reversibly connectable to one another in at least one of a form-locking or friction-locking manner.
 5. The rail grinding machine according to claim 3, wherein said quick-change device includes a first quick-change element, an associated second quick-change element and at least one actuating element for reversibly clamping said first quick-change element and said associated second quick-change element.
 6. The rail grinding machine according to claim 3, wherein said quick-change device configures at least one linear guide.
 7. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, which further comprises a guide frame disposed at said cross slide.
 8. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, which further comprises a guide frame swivel-mounted on said cross slide about a swivel axis running parallel to a longitudinal direction.
 9. The rail grinding machine according to claim 6, which further comprises a guide frame defining a plane, said at least one linear guide running transversely to said plane defined by said guide frame.
 10. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein said cross slide includes a closed cross slide frame.
 11. The rail grinding machine according to claim 10, wherein said closed cross slide frame bounds an inner space in which said at least one grinding unit is at least partially disposed.
 12. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, which further comprises a guide frame, and a grinding unit carrier for interchangeably carrying said at least one grinding unit, said grinding unit carrier being mounted on said guide frame.
 13. The rail grinding machine according to claim 7, wherein said guide frame includes two guide elements, and two carrying elements are mounted on said two guide elements for carrying said at least one grinding unit.
 14. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein said at least one grinding unit includes a first grinding unit for profiling a rail and a second grinding unit for deburring a rail.
 15. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, which further comprises a coarse positioning device for coarse positioning and a fine positioning device for fine positioning of said cross slide in the transverse direction.
 16. The rail grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein said at least one grinding unit includes a grinding tool drive having a combustion engine.
 17. A method for grinding rails of a track, the method comprising: providing a rail grinding machine having a first grinding unit; grinding a rail of a track by using the first grinding unit; exchanging the first grinding unit for a second grinding unit; and grinding a rail by using the second grinding unit.
 18. The method according to claim 17, which further comprises: profiling the rail by using the first grinding unit; and deburring the rail by using the second grinding unit. 